CONCORD — At the Garnet Valley School Board work session, members and administrators clearly indicated they hoped to engage the school community in a discussion about activity fees. That was the case with a larger than average turnout at the board’s legislative meeting the following week.

Parents, students and a group of senior citizens attended. Some spoke to the fee specifically, and the latter residents appeared to focus on district expenses in general.

All six members of the board present approved a motion “for the superintendent and staff to research the possibility of implementing an activity fee for extracurricular activities.” As Superintendent Marc Bertrando explained in a Power Point presentation at the work session, the percentage of Pennsylvania districts charging fees in some respect increased from 13 to 30 percent between the years 2010-12. Currently, the only Delaware County district with fees is Marple-Newtown.

Garnet Valley High School students took to social media to encourage attendance and participation at the board meeting on the topic. Senior Ray Crozier retweeted the message and addressed the board.

“I am part of the drama club, student council, school newspaper and yearbook. I know what goes into the performing arts budget,” said Crozier, referring to the $50 student pay to take part in plays. “Fees would mean certain kids wouldn’t be able to participate. Please think long and hard about how fees would affect us and our families.”

Several of his peers echoed the same concern.

“I’m in six activities. Would I have to pay six fees?” asked high school student Cori Snyder, giving Board President Rosemary Fiumara a chance to explain the status.

“We’re not there yet. All of that information will become available,” Fiumara said of the investigation.

Parents Cathy Weible, Jean Stoyer, Edward Koch and Al Kozin were among those expressing similar concerns fees might negatively impact participation of their youngsters. They also referenced benefits of extracurricular activities as social enrichment and bolstering learning.

“Extracurriculars are the ways kids engage,” Stoyer said of school and community. “Instead of calling it ‘pay to play,’ why not call it ‘pay to engage?’”

The senior citizens speaking seemed vaguer on the fees. They seemed more focused on issues of the district’s expenses and taxation.

Residents are being asked to fill out a short survey on fees available electronically.

The Garnet Valley School District has prepared a survey to gather community input on activity fees. To limit costs and simplify data collection, the survey will be available on line only through the district’s “E-Alert” network. Directions for receiving those alerts are: go to www.garnetvalleyschools.com; under headlines, click on 2013-14 E-Alerts & Home & School/Reach 211 Directory Updates; click on GVSD E-Alert Registration; complete the registration information and under Select All Applicable Roles, click Community Member; end by clicking Done. Those having difficulties may call Marge Brown at 610-579-7367. Residents not having home computers can have access at public libraries.